Plenty of adjectives were used Saturday night to describe William Welty and his 22 years as St. Joseph County District Court judge.

But the trademark most people associated with Welty wasn't about the man in a black robe. Instead, his role as a loving husband and devoted father were referenced repeatedly by several people who addressed a crowd of more than 150 people at the Riviera Theatre in downtown Three Rivers.

"He was a darn fine judge but what a guy, what a dad‚ what a husband," said Fabius Township resident Leilani Ruesink, a teacher of Welty's three children who has remained friends with the judge and his wife for nearly 30 years.

Ruesink's comments were followed by others who echoed Welty's commitment to family. But his role as a dad was captured no better than by his children, Emily, Becky and Nick. The three compiled a list, "Top Ten Things We Learned Growing Up Welty" that set the crowd off in a roar of laughter.

They referenced Welty's 1990 campaign and the wooden rulers he passed out to promote his name. They also cited a week-long campaign during the St. Joseph County Grange Fair that year.

"You have never truly experienced the St. Joseph County Fair until you've stayed in a mobile home there campaigning for a week," his daughter, Becky, said.

Other comical references: how a black robe is always in style; Welty's penchant for order and detail while the family vacationed; potential boyfriends of his daughters were considered lucky to get a second date; his never-ending landscape projects; and how his wife, Barb, was the only person who ever overturned any of his decisions the past two decades.

Welty, 63, previously worked with Three Rivers-based attorney Pat O'Malley before seeking the District Court seat in 1990. He took over the post in January 1991 and his role has evolved to include domestic-relations matters handled through the county's Circuit Court.

Several attorneys and peers praised Welty for his devotion to the job, and for maintaining a rational and even-keeled demeanor in the courtroom.

Judge Jeff Middleton, who has shared District Court duties with Welty the past 10 years, said a resolution honoring Welty has been passed by the Michigan Supreme Court and will be presented to Welty at a courthouse party in his honor later this week.

Middleton said Welty has the perfect manner for the job.

"You've been a valuable asset here to the people in Three Rivers and St. Joseph County," Middleton said. "I'm going to miss having you down the hall to exchange ideas with."

Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Steve Gorsalitz said he handled personal-injury cases for O'Malley and Welty years ago, and as a result went on to become friends with Welty. Gorsalitz told the crowd Welty hasn't changed after taking the bench.

Page 2 of 2 - "That was really big because we had one of the most humble people I've ever met take the position of power and authority, and remain as humble as ever —that's just the way he's always been," Gorsalitz said. "I hope David and Rob follow in his footsteps with his patience, his humility and his ability to make really good decisions.

"That's what you've had here in St. Joe County for all these years and you're going to miss him because he's a tremendous asset," Gorsalitz added. "I'm going to miss him as a brother on the bench."

Gorsalitz's referenced David Tomlinson and Rob Pattison, who were in attendance Saturday. Tomlinson is the probate court judge-elect and Pattison will fill Welty's spot starting Jan. 1. Welty chose to not seek re-election.

An emotional Welty took the stage after several people spoke in his favor. He drew a round of laughter with his opening statement.

Over the course of his 10-minute speech, Welty recognized and acknowledged his co-workers at the courthouse. He paused to gain his composure when citing by name members of his staff and the role they have played during his tenure.

Welty also addressed his judicial counterparts.

"You can probably truly appreciate how bittersweet this really is — when you think about the day when you might be retiring and the mixed feelings that come with it," he said.

After a trip he and his wife will be taking to Costa Rica, Welty joked that she has plans for him to clean their garage and basement. In addition, Welty said he has an ambitious to-do list in his retirement, including playing more golf, taking art classes, visiting his three children, sailing, learning to speak Spanish, visiting Civil War battlefields and re-learning the clarinet.

Despite the temptation of warmer climates, Welty said he and his wife are committed to staying at their Lockport Township residence. He said they have been fortunate to have developed strong relationships through work, church and other areas, and he looks forward to maintaining those friendships.

"I didn't come up here to get all choked up," Welty said, in closing. "Let's have some fun, let's have some music, let's dance, let's have a good time. Thank you."